You Can’t Take It With You

You Can’t Take It with You

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 6:19-24

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.

Matthew 6:19

Hold on to your handlebars! You aren’t going to believe this one. National Geographic Kids actually reported on a sweet ride that cost more than $116,000—and I’m not talking about your grandpa’s four-wheeled convertible sports car. There is actually a bike for sale that costs six digits. The gold-plated ride features 24-carat gold and 600 Swarovski crystals, a hand-sewn leather seat, and leather handlebars.

Who needs a bike like that?

The book of Matthew records that Jesus basically said, “Don’t buy too much expensive stuff here on earth. Those things will eventually wear out, and what will you have then? Or if it doesn’t wear out, thieves might steal what you’ve stocked up.”

I read about a pretty dumb thief in Lynchburg, Virginia, who decided to have a snack while he was robbing a house. Too bad for him he left his greasy fingerprints all over the orange juice. Once the police had the prints, he was a cinch to catch!

My point is this: We’ve gotten greedy.

More and more, our culture presses you and me into believing that we “need” things that are ridiculous. Do we really need another pair of designer jeans? Is it absolutely necessary that we have the crystal-encrusted cover for our iPod? It’s not that these things are bad, but the question is this: Are you storing up treasures in heaven? If you’ve sent a little bit of money to a missionary this month, then heartily enjoy downloading yet another song for your iPod. But if you’ve forgotten to give and have been more consumed with “getting,” it’s probably time to say no to the next gold-plated “must have” that comes your way.

Girl Gab: Have a chat with your mom about what your family thinks about money and “getting more stuff.” What are some practical things you could do to make sure you keep God as more important than temporary things? Pray about that together.